Grades 9–12
PoetryWritingMy waterlogged ears have been cleared
And the duct tape that once silenced me
Has been removed.
I am tired of our society and its corrupt “ideals.”
Why are the societal standards created by the majority,
Over the minority,
When the minority is really the majority?
When the next census is taken,
Millions of undocumented immigrants will flood our system
From all over the world.
Yet only the Mexicans and Asians and Africans
Will come up in the news.
With how much the media puts out about us people of color
You’d think there weren’t any whites left in America.
But all the news is negative.
The generation of hatred, that’s who we’ve become.
All of our innovations and positivity put to shame
By our destructive nature towards our own.
And not because they did anything wrong.
No, no.
Because they can simply get a tan
Without getting sunburned or carrot orange.
Because their hair is dark and thick with lavish curls and waves.
Because they’re finally tired of living under
“White oppression” and
White privilege and
White power.
We are not white.
From a young age we are told,
“Brown is the ugliest crayon out of the whole box,”
Then we look down at our skin and see
Brown.
Self-hatred has been rooted in our brains, and the weed grows.
Living as a brown crayon in a white crayon box
We tried to blend in, paint ourselves over,
But the system was wrong.
If all the colors together make brown,
Why is the box white?
The glitch was formed;
We learned to accept and embrace the brown
And made our own brown crayon box.
If you never got the memo
#BLACKLIVESMATTER is not to be portrayed as
#yourracedoesn’tmatter
But more like #Icanbringmyraceupwithoutputtingyoursdown
Like #myracecanstrikefearinyourheart like the guns
You fire at us for simply following your orders,
Like #youcan’tsuppressmeanylonger
Because of my #eyes or #culture or #life
Because #Ican’tbreathe, will breathe again.
We are the caged bird released,
We soar across the sky singing,
We are one,
The time has come
Yet they still try to shoot us down.
does color really matter
nothing’s getting better
it’s just getting sadder
stop being a thief
keeping people from their
happiness
putting them
in grief
having to choose
between race
No materials available for download.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
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by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
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by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
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The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
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by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes how the bright sun and a calming tree bring her peace.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
Yashawa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
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by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC
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by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
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by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
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by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
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Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Savannah, 826NYC
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by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
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by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
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Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
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by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
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by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
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Isabella V.M., Grade 11, 826NYC
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Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Jarmani M., Age 18, 826 Boston
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
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by Calvin, 826michigan
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by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
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by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
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by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Cristina, 826CHI
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by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Gabby Hamelton, Grade 9, Hamilton, IL
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by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
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by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Ava Diaz, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
A guiding light for all those who wander...
by Jazlin Lopez, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
This poet draws strength and courage from her grandmother's love.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans
This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
by Alisson Romero, Grade 11, 826LA
The author of this poignant piece expresses her love and gratitude for her hardworking and supportive parents.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Athena Celine Caasi, Grade 9, 826NYC, Brooklyn, NY
This poet is a tapestry, woven from threads of courage and kindness.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
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